• 245 Dublin Solicitors attend major legal conference at the Shelbourne Hotel
• Regulation, wellbeing and supports for smaller firms were discussed
• The conference is organised by the Law Society Finuas Skillnet in association with the Dublin Solicitors’ Bar Association

Over 245 Dublin solicitors attended the Practice and Regulation Symposium 2019 at the Shelbourne Hotel on Tuesday 10 December.

Organised by the Law Society Finuas Skillnet in association with The Dublin Solicitors’ Bar Association, the conference was an opportunity for Dublin solicitors to upskill on areas relevant to practice such as regulation and anti-money laundering.

This year, the annual conference had a particular focus on solicitors who are sole practitioners or work in smaller firms given the Law Society’s Small Practice Support Project, which was launched earlier this year.

The Project makes 11 strategic recommendations to help sole practitioners and smaller firms grow their businesses and achieve greater success for their clients, their firms and their local communities.

Collaboration and upskilling

Partner, Tony O’Sullivan, Beauchamps, is President of the Dublin Solicitors’ Bar Association. He said the conference was an opportunity for solicitors in Dublin practices to collaborate and upskill.

“A large number of Dublin solicitors practice in corporate law firms in the city centre. We meet our colleagues on a daily basis and regularly discuss changes to practice. Some firms even run in-house workshops and training for their employees,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“It is important for solicitors who do not practice in larger firms to engage with professional events and upskill. The Practice and Regulation Symposium 2019 attracts solicitors from across Dublin working as sole practitioners, in-house solicitors as well as the larger and smaller practices.”

“While larger firms often have a team of operations and facility management, smaller practices must be able to provide legal advice and manage the day-to-day running of a business. This conference is an opportunity for all solicitors to raise concerns and discuss the challenges they face on a day to day basis.”

“It is important for Dublin solicitors to be able to communicate the value of our services, skills and experience. Solicitors are highly trained professionals and we can provide clarity and assurance to our clients in times of uncertainty. Solicitors must fight for pride in the profession by emphasising the work of solicitors and their contribution to the prosperity of the economy, society and our justice system. The fabric of society depends on legal rights and obligations being validly created and effectively enforced,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Happy solicitors, happy clients

The Practice and Regulation Symposium 2019 also addressed wellbeing in the legal profession.

“Solicitors face many challenging situations in their day-to-day work. While it is a rewarding career, at times it can also be stressful. As humans, solicitors will naturally provide a better service for our clients if we look after our own wellbeing, both mentally and physically,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“I believe it is important to promote mental health in the same way that we support the physical health of our members. I would encourage our members to contact the Consult a Colleague helpline on 01 284 8484. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence and there is no need to give a name or number.”

“The Law Society and the DSBA will continue to support members to safeguard and promote resilience and wellbeing in the workplace by focusing on support, education, training and culture.” said Mr O’Sullivan.

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